If you’re wondering who puts the “French” in French Poodles, take a few minutes to enjoy the web site of breeder Anna Sophie Duncan McDonald who, with husband James, raises standard poodles in the region of Southern France known as the Languedoc. (Wine lovers will recognize the Languedoc as the largest wine-producing region in the world.)
Although we don’t specifically recommend breeders, we are happy to recommend the McDonalds’ site because there you can learn more about poodles in general and standard poodles in particular.
We think the Poodle Health page is particularly interesting. Some American breeders of show dogs might consider it a tad heretical but the McDonalds tell it like it is: Genetic compromises are sometimes made in the pursuit of breeding the “perfect” show dog. Read what the McDonalds have to say and judge for yourself.
Did you notice the long tails on the poodles in the photo above?
Yes, all dogs are born with normal, full-length tails! In the U.S. the breed standard calls for docked (surgically amputated) tails. We are told that this practice is considered inhumane in Europe and illegal in the United Kingdom.
That said, if you are seeking a poodle companion in the U.S., please find a breeder who pays a licensed veterinarian to perform this procedure under sanitary conditions. Not to be overly graphic but some U.S. breeders of toy poodles dock puppy tails themselves using big-dog nail clippers. Yikes! At least, vets perform this medical procedure in a safe way.
We hope you enjoy your virtual visit to the south of France where Real Standard Poodles are bred and obviously loved.
Until next time,
Mr. Dibs
